October 16, 2011

Drawn as I am to fabulous jewelry, like a moth to flame, it was inconceivable that I would miss the Elizabeth Taylor Christie's travelling exhibition. Clutching my much coveted ticket while waiting in line in the hot California sun, anticipation was running high. Which pieces would be on display? Would La Peregrina live up to my high expectations? Are the jewels as fabulous as they are reputed to be?

Once you gain entry to the building you barely realize that you are still standing in line. It's cleverly staged so that you have something to read and see every step of the way. The wall leading up the stairs to the main portion of the exhibit is covered in writings about the film icon. As you reach the top, straight ahead are the Andy Warhol offset lithographs including "Red" Liz, with the dedication "to elizabeth with much love". A reminder that her beauty captivated everyone. Dotted around the room are diaphanous kaftans, beaded jackets and other doubtless fabulous wardrobe items, but I have eyes only for the jewels.

Finally, jewelry! The tall pedestal cases lining the walls were arranged by theme. Sapphires in one, Kunzite and Amethyst in another Coral and Amethyst in yet another. Names like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari. Sigh, now I can relax. It's not until I find myself gazing at the 33.19 carat Elizabeth Taylor Diamond (formerly the Krupp Diamond) that I really feel at home. Interestingly enough neither the placard on the wall nor the book on the exhibition mention the color and clarity of the exquisite Asscher cut diamond... inquiring minds want to know. After some internet spelunking, I have determined that it is reportedly D Color and "potentially internally flawless."

As I slowly glide from pedestal to pedestal pressing my nose to the glass as I go, again I have to stop and stare. The Cartier Ruby Suite she received from Mike Todd is breathtaking! The Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, wow, just wow. You seldom see rubies with that precise red color, delicious. The Mike Todd Tiara, well who doesn't just love a good tiara!

Around the room to La Peregrina, dangling magnificently from the Cartier Ruby and Natural Pearl Necklace composed to highlight the gem. What exquisite symmetry, color and luster; who says history can't be beautiful? Taken by surprise, yet again, by the Prince of Wales Feather Brooch that Elizabeth acquired from the Duchess of Windsor jewelry auction. What a treasure, beautiful. Yet another heart stopper was the Boucheron Art Nouveau Butterfly with its turquoise Plique-á-Jour wings and gem-set body.

As I moved through the exhibit there were ball gowns, lavender leather bound scripts, Oscars, etc. but the personal jewelry is what I found particularly poignant. Charm bracelets jammed with obviously meaningful personal charms, a trio of small diamond rings - ping-pong rings and the Edith Head Ivory and Gold Theatre Tickets necklace served as a reminder that Ms. Taylor was more than a screen icon, she was sentimental women, just like me.